I would unplug the fridg, remove the motherboard cover in the back and locate the 3 pin power connector. Remove it, note which pins are labled "line and defr. and put a wire jumper between the plug mating pins. Plug in fridg, if you get no defrost, replace the defrost thermostat and evaporator thermister.

Well did not get any additional assistance with this so I went to Radio Shack and bought some jumpers (was easy to figure this out on my own) and some shrink tubing for when I would splice in the new defrost thermostat & evaporator thermister. Was able to find the 3 prong power connector and the line & defrost pins. Did the jump, no glow from the heater so proceded to replace the components. The thermister was visually & most obviously bad, so I am hoping the replacement will solve my problem. Kind of proud of myself for doing all this by myself, not to mention getting a very good deal & saving lots of $$ by ordering the parts from APP!!! Thanks Again! I'll post the outcome as soon as I know what exactly it will be:)

Hi Grumps-

Yes, I conquered the beast and my fridge is working better than ever! I can't believe I fixed it all by my lonesome. You are correct about the 3 prong power supply cord to the muthaboard. I encountered the same problem. It does need to be pulled straight out so you do not bend the pins. The board is very fragile & I also did not want to damge any resistors or circuits, but you can use the index finger of your left hand to push agianst the board as you gently pull the power harness straight out. You'll laaugh once you realize how easy it is to plug & unplug it once you get it released the very 1st time:) .

I was correct in my original determination however, it was the thermister. Needless to say, the defrost heater element definately need to be replaced, the thermister was visually faulty (it should be all white with no oozing black or brown residue/leakage) so I replaced it and while I was at it I also replaced the defrost thermostat. I spent less than $70 total for replacement parts, the jumpers from Radio Shack, along with some shrink tubing for my spliced connections of the new parts. I saved $115 by doing it myself. Good luck to you!!

Any help with finding this motherboard etc...would be greatly appreciated...tough times...thanks:confused:

Thanks SWKRO! I don't know if you had the chance to look at my original post from today... I spoke to the man at the shop where I purchased the defrost heater for $30 (yes!) and he did mention that thermister thingy that you mentioned. I tried to figure out where the defrost timer is on my refri but it doesn't even come up on this site...he offered to test it for continuity tomorrow morning and also FYI he mentioned that he thought there's a recall on the motherboard (in case you have additional problems). He offered to have the recall info for me tomorrow morning...is the motheboard on the outside or inside of the freezer? sorry to bother you SWKRO and again thank you! I'll look at your pics that you posted...:)